A Little Perspective about DWTS from Afghanistan

As many of you know, my brother Track is in Afghanistan. This week, I got the rare chance to talk to him over the phone, and I was so excited to hear his voice and know that he was safe.

While we were talking, I told him about Dancing with the Stars All Stars and he sounded confused.

“What show?” he asked.

He had no idea I was on DWTS!

There’s a lot of talk about being “in jeopardy” on this show, but most of us never experience real jeopardy. The fact that Track didn’t even have the time to think about Hollywood or a dance competition put all of this in more perspective for me.

Thanks, Track, and all of the United States military.

For the perspective and everything else you do!

Track says goodbye to Tripp at the airport when he went back to Afghanistan.

Do you want to be a part of my DWTS journey? Then, e-mail me so I can add you to my mailing list. (My address is BristolsBlog @ gmail.com, without the space! Make sure to use the subject line: DWTS.) I’d love to give you the latest up-to-the-minute reports about the show!

Thanks and blessings to your brother for his service! May he come back safe and well!

Cathie

In the words of the lovely Carrie Underwood, “When you figure out love is all that matters after all, it sure makes everything seem SO SMALL.” I love your faith and your courage, Bristol! You and your family are a true inspiration to me!

http://scribblesscriptsandsuch.blogspot.com Rissi

Love what you say here, Cathie! So true.

Gayle

Very well said!

http://scribblesscriptsandsuch.blogspot.com Rissi

This is a GREAT ‘perspective,’ Bristol. Thanks for reminding us who the real heroes are.

Best of luck tonight – no matter what those judges say, you were and have been, fabulous! Don’t lose heart, and keep up the good work!

SunnyJ

There you go Bristol. That’s exactly the right way to look at everything. Be fearless in life, everything to gain and nothing to lose…until you are in “true jepardy” and you have everything to lose…and you go fearlessly forward because you will not accept anything less. I hold you and your brother and all of your family in my heart as you are all demonstrating fearlessness in one way or another. Most sincerely, J

Laurie

Great perspective to have! You are so positive and have a great attitude. No matter what happens- you have had a great time, and God has perfect timing for everything.

Misty

Great reminder for all of us, Bristol! Love the bunny ears Sarah is making the the background. Glad to know Track is fine!

Angie Wilson

Confession: I totally have a crush on your bro

charli chad

So sweet and very true. Our soldiers ARE the ones in real jeopardy and death path everyday. Continuous prayer for them!

As for DWTS, I felt you & Mark were robbed. Your facial expressions were perfect for that dance. I do think the judges have been much more critical of you & Mark both seasons. On the other hand, you do have some serious competition. Good Luck & God Bless.

Kim Castro

Bristol, you’re so very right. I have two Marine nephews overseas, one somewhere near your brother. They are in a world of uncertainty and truly aren’t promised tomorrow. My prayers o Track, my nephews and all our military. Sometimes we forget in our lives that there is so much more in this world…..Jeopardy, Bristol you’re not in Jeopardy. You’re a very blessed young lady born to 2 wonderful parents, exceptional family and many supporters. No matter what happens tonight you’ll still be Bristol Palin a beautiful young lady, great mom to a handsome young man with a bright future who was blessed with starring on your own show, writing books, on DWTS twice! Once as one of the DWTS All Stars!! You’re not in jeopardy, you’re a woman with an exciting future and I applaud you for all you’ve accomplished in the face of controversy! Thank you for being a good role model to single moms and for all you do!

No worries, Bristol. It’s only a dance contest. Stand tall and show them the beautiful person you are. The contest is entertainment, but no big deal when compared to what millions are struggling with everyday. You have a great family and much to be proud of.

NanaJ

Praying for him and all the others serving. Hopefully we will have a new POTUS to help protect them in January.

Courtney Brooke

Amen!

Gilly

Our current President has done a GREAT job in protecting our troops. In fact he brought a lot of them home by ending the war in Iraq. Do you realize NanaJ that it was Bush and the Republicans who put them at risk? And that these same people refused to give them armored vehicles for protection until they were embarrassed in the media?

Tom

And do you realize, Silly, that it was Bush who confronted the Jihadist threat, while current pResident had put troops in harm’s way with increasingly ridiculous rules of engagement and by coddling our enemies to the point of trying to suppress the speech of anyone challenging them? You need to get real and shut up.

Bill

“to the point of trying to suppress the speech of anyone challenging them? You need to get real and shut up.” Nice going, Ace. Did you forget “bring it on!” “Mission (notyet)Accomplished” and shoedodging? Your Bush and his “DAD” brought suffering to the world on an unimaginable scale, and you defend him?

Gilly

Bush took us to war by LYING to us. Stop watching Fox News Tom and people will stop laughing at you behind your back.

Mae

It’s not like Pres Obama is a stranger a starting wars. Let’s NOT live in the past shall we?

Fado

How has Obama been suppressing anyone who challenges a jihadist threat? Are you confusing our government’s condemnation of an anti-Muslim video as that? Well you are wrong. And FYI, Bush similarly reacted to an anti-Muslim cartoon Tom

Holly

Our current President has nothing for our troops except cause more heartache by his vague policies, reduction, pay freezes/budget scares, Tricare fee hikes,etc …the war in Iraq wasn’t ended by Obama no matter what the media tells you it was already on track to end because of Bushes policy and our troops he just happened to be in office when it finished ….. He’s a horrible CIC …. (from someone livin the life!)

Holly

* done nothing … (hubby was in the 1st group in Iraq and in the last for New Dawn sooo yep we do know what it’s like, trust me this President doesn’t care about our troops)

Gilly

So Holly thinks our President is a horrible CIC. Even though he kept the same people in command as Bush did. Even though (as she says) he fulfilled Bush’s plan to bring the troops home. Of course she also then hits him with reducing the troops. You really should pick one Holly…either your mad that he reduced or want to give credit to Bush for the reduction. The rest of her claims are baseless as well. She no where mentions the Republican obstruction the President faced. Nor does she discuss the programs he instituted to help our soldiers once they get back home. Shame on you Holly.

section9

I hate to tell you this, but you’re going to find out that the Administration has been running arms to “unaffiliated” groups in Libya and other countries in the Middle East since the so-called Arab Spring began. AQ figured out what was going on and took advantage of it, and have been arming themselves with American-supplied weapons. This will prove to be the biggest cock-up since Arms For Hostages back in the Eighties. You Obama supporters are in for a really rude awakening.

sodakhic

Thank you George Bush for the surge, that saved thousands of lives. Also thank you for personally capturing Saddam Hussein and hanging him and putting Sheik Mohammed in Guantanamo. Thank you Track for your service to this great country and God be with you.

Gilly

Who do you think created Saddam Hussein in the first place? Does anyone here read? Do all of you just listen to right wing radio and BS from the Palins?

Bill

sodakhi, apparently you have a short and selective memory. The surge should never have had to happen because of the catastrophic consequence of going into Iraq in the first place, and Bush faced impeachment if he did not get control of the situation. My brother and a best friend were there- my best friend was killed– and every fiber in my being to this day blames that man for inflaming the hatred from the rest of the world that still burns today; “Bring it on!” The most irresponsible words ever uttered by a sitting President. President Obama didn’t just inherit a sinking economy- he inherited a disastrous and historically epic meltdown of foreign and domestic policy. Add to that Republican obstructionism that was proclaimed from day one- God forbid supporting our President be seen as patriotic- and you have a mess that nobody could have “fixed” by now.

NanaJ

We voted for you but if you are eliminated tonight, please KEEP SMILING for Track. Don’t let Carrie Ann,Tom, and Brooke rob your joy.

Marianne Butler

Bristol, I just want you to know that I’ve been rootin’ for you from the very “git-go” of your public adventures. I’m old enough to be your Nana, which is how I’m known to my 5 grand-children. You looked absolutely gorgeous last night. Your courage is to be highly commended. Your performance was beyond beautiful, I loved every second of it. You keep your chin held high and continue to strive to be the very best that you can be. Lotsa love & hugs, Nana

Courtney Brooke

So grateful for his service to our country, and your mother’s service as well! I voted for you last night- hope to see you make it again tonight!

mlynn

As your mom once said, all that matter is “God, family and country” everything else follows. You’ve grown up alright….your thoughts are deeper in a very real and wise way. My prayers is that you will always put God first in your every day life decision. Your difficulties are nothing compare to what some mothers go through when their beloved children are leading a life in a wrong path with wrong crowd. Next time you talk to your brother, tell him America is praying for his and all our brave troops’ safe return. We love and salute them all. God bless you Bristol and thank you for i enjoy watching you and Mark on DWTS. To tell you the truth, i had no knowledge about all the “dancing” until you went into competition the first time around, let alone…i never know there were these talented kids like Mark and the rest of the pros. Thanks to you and DWTS show, you opend so many eyes and we are all enjoying and have fun along with you. Take care!

P.J. Agnew

Indeed….God bless Track and his combat buddies who are in Harms’s way. Salute

Andrea Bishop

You are truly blessed!!!! And such a sweetie!!!! I am very proud of you!!!!!

Michele W.

So so true. It really is all about perspective. It’s amazing and sad at the same time how invested some people are in trivial matters. A couple of your fellow dancers are even guilty of this! I am more than happy to give you all of my votes because you are doing it purely for fun and good experiences. Thank you for continuing to be a good example to all you come in contact with. Thanks too to your family for being openly supportive of you–more good examples for people to follow. I truly hope you are enjoying every minute. Even on a dance show y0u are doing more good than you can imagine. Much love to you, to Tripp, and to your whole family. x0x0

Bree Merr

This is a very inspiring post. We are so grateful for Track and all military serving us. “10″ + for their services!! We are proud. No matter what happens tonite.. know that you and Mark did a beautiful dance Maybe not all the hoopla the others had but one of the most beautiful all round. Hold your head up while the haters’s shrill gets lost in all of your supporters cheers.

Fado

Bree, by hoopla do you mean talent, energy and dedication?

Bree Merr

Fado, my opinion is floating in the air via wire or falling off the stairs onto foam… yeh hoopla. I did not get tingles down my spine. If you did.. how about that!!

Kelly

Last night the producers were very unfair to you. For everyone else, they showed the couples planning their dances, and what iconic dance they were doing. All they showed with you was the conflict with Mark (drama I wasn’t really interested in). They showed no footage of you planning your dance or why you chose the whole chess theme. By the way, I LOVED that! It was very original. I really hope you don’t go home tonight, as you were not fairly represented on last night’s DWTS episode.

Bree Merr

I noticed the same thing Kelly and mentioned to my husband. Ratings is their priority, not dignity. But alas! In the midst of the manipulations, Bristol pulls of dignity in the end..

Ann Jesse

last night was a joke for you , shame on then , Your talk with your brother ,you have grown a lot ,Im praying for you and him goood luck . .

Fado

I suspect bristol didnt actually do the assigned planning and creative direction. And it didnt look like there was much oractice put into the dance. After she had her little tantrum and quit the practice when did she come back? Perhaps the producers were pretty fair after all.

There were some incredible performance Ladt night. I enjoyed Appollo’s and Shawn’s dances most of all.

Truth101

I suspect you are full of bullcrap.

Fado

Sorry Truth 101, but it turns out Bristol creative contribution was that she likes thr colors black and white together.

Holly

Thanks Bristol! Yep perspective is everything ….. I hope you get to stay on but at least you have a realistic perspective of what’s important (we are an Active Duty Army Family and hubby’s been to Iraq 4 times, Korea twice, etc….)

No matter how well you do, they always seem to give you low scores.. Hopefully, you will be safe abp nd get to dance evey. Week. Will. Keep on voting asong as you’re in the competiton. Good luck to you and your whole family. Good luck to Track. Faith,love and joy makes a family happy.

CliffNZ

Well done Bristol. You and your family know what really matters in life. God bless y0u and your family.

http://us4palin.com Ron Devito

Bristol, this was a beautiful post that made me laugh and cry at the same time. Laugh, because I loved how your mom put the bunny ears up on Willow and you. Cry, because you highlighted who are heroes are and what the priorities should be. I wish Track God Speed.

Nightbird

When they leave it brings many things into perspective. But don’t let anyone put you down over DWTS, Bris. You’re out there trying your best and you should get the help you deserve from your partner.

Thomas Hubbard

Heck with DWTS I can not wait to see Track back home with his family. The love that the Palins have for one another is somethig that no one take away.

Marsha

Yes, thank you Track!

Gilly

Anderson Cooper tells Bristol to quit tv and get a job! Love it.

Sue

…. says the person whose only job in life apparently, is trolling around the internet, bashing Palin’s. How ‘ bout getting a life?

Gilly

Don’t worry sue, as soon as Romney is elected we’re all going to be working for Bain. Hope u negotiated a good contract and don’t expect any healthcare.

Gilly

Omg and now Sarah is writing a fitness book with her family. You losers really thought she would run for president?

Fado

Correction Gilly: She CLAIMS she is writing a fitness book. I doubt any publisher has picked up on that. There is a difference between fit and scrawny and she is just scrawny. She looks anorexic, or more descriptively, granorexic. What a difference 4 years have made. She actually used to have some shine and attractiveness in her looks. Now she just looks haggard, hungry and older than her years. And please what’s with the ugly sky scraper wedges ALL the time? It’s common knowledge she’s not happy being average height but she’s not fooling anyone.

Gilly

Agreed fado. She’s looking rough. And A fitness book is so desperate.

Shellye

I don’t get it. So should Anderson Cooper quit TV and get a job too, if being on TV isn’t a job? How is that a slam by someone who is on TV exactly? I didn’t see or hear him say it, but if it’s just what you said, it’s stupid.

Gilly

He said it because Bristol doesn’t have any talent. She can’t sing, she can’t dance, she can’t act. Without her mother she is nothing, and before u embarrass yourself by comparing her to Anderson please google his credentials.

Bree Merr

Is it his business? He took the time out to make a comment? He is troubled about Bristol? Odd of him to even be concerned. He needs to stick to his wildly popular TV gig and his many many many fans.

Jake

So Fado and Gilly both have a crush on Bristol. Or their both just keyboard warriors.

Fado

You have nothing Jake? That’s the best you’ve got? Too funny.

Mae

Wow, even Fado’s responses are immature. You need direction and fulfillment.

victoria

Wish Bristol would just block the two of them…it makes reading her otherwise excellent blog a downer when faced w/ the gratuitous ugly venom they spew. In fact, it would be healthier for all viewers of this blog if she blocked all the haters who add nothing to the conversation besidestheeir ugly ad hominem attacks.

Mae

Yes, it’d be nice if all the negative ignoramus’ could be blocked from the world. But just think. THEY make themselves look stupid, so just let them “play.” Showing their true colors as the rest of the world continues being classy and mature.

NanaJ

Congratulations Bristol. You DESERVE to remain on DWTS. Keep DANCING and SMILING. Let Carrie Ann know she has not stolen your joy.

Just ignore. they want attention, as they get none anywhere else. Sane people do not put value on their words of lives

Jake

Calm down Fido. Funny how you an dish out the names but can’t take a little name calling for anything.

Fado

Calm down? I’m not upset Jake. Not at all. I think your choice of words is funny. As is your thinking pacifist is an insult. And applicable. Please, please go on..

Rachel

While I’m not a fan of yours, Bristol, nor of your family, I have to say that I pray for you as I do for everyone. There is too much hate in the world and hating a kid who made choices that she has to live with (I will never call your son a mistake.) or her family because you disagree with their politics is juvenile and ridiculous. Do your best because that’s all you can do and you know that G0d is watching us all.

My brother is serving his 6th (yes, 6th) tour of duty overseas. He’s an officer and he’s there until the job is done. He is also a police officer state side. He has 3 daughters and a wife. He has my undying love and respect. Our dad served in Korea and Vietnam. We’re Americans first. We hunt, fish, camp and we’re liberals. Go figure. I pray for your brother and for your family. Just do your best; God sees everything- don’t worry about what people say. There is only one judge and it ain’t anyone on this planet. Please spread the word about Soldier’s Angels. Here’s the link:http://www.soldiersangels.org

Katie

Thank you for sharing that link. I will be praying about it and hopefully I will become a Solider’s Angel real soon!!

Rachel

Gosh, I hope you do! They are a great bunch of people and it’s bi-partisan. Our warriors deserve to get as much as they give. It’s so much fun to write letters, send gifts (I send homemade cookies and socks) and cards. My first year, though, I lost a soldier. The Angels really get behind you and keep your spirits up when that happens. We’re all family. Let’s start acting like it.

BB

That was mature and lovely Rachel. Bristol is a blessed young woman who obviously couldn’t be happier.

Rachel

Thanks. I was raised to love everyone, to speak kindly and to walk my talk. I don’t have to agree with you, but I will defend your right to say what you will. Life is too short and hatred kills you faster than anything else. No one is perfect, least of all me. My gosh, how would I react if people were constantly judging me and didn’t even know me? I’m not a fan of the Palins, but I’m also not a fan of hatred. As granddaddy used to say, “He who thinks by the inch and talks by the yard should be kicked by the foot.” Take care! Rachel

CapitalG

Thanks Track! Doing the important work while Bristol lays down a little ammo fodder for the America haterz. What Track is doing is so important and the casualties in Afghanistan under this administration have been tragically ignored by the same media who ran a ‘death count’ under President Bush.

…but onto the trivialities of DWTS. FANTASTIC NIGHT for yourself, Mark and Bristol supporters. Surviving double elim and getting to dance the coveted R-n-R is HUGE! GO FOR IT this week! You hold the wildcard of FAN SUPPORT so use it! Set your sights on top3 and leave it all on the dance floor. One week at a time every week of course, but you and Mark both need to know your base will carry you far. Take the risks. Over the top is not enough!

Fado

Interesting. Anderson Cooper thinks the whole tantrum Bristol threw was staged … and badly…. In an effort to get sympathy votes and attention. I think he may be on to something. It actually makes sense given how do much about Bristol and the Palins is staged ( including this blog). In which case, the producers of DWTS were more than fair with the video before their dance……..

Keith

Bristol,

I am a Wounded Warrior, and I can tell you from past experience, I know where Track is coming from. Even with today’s technology, much of the time we were too busy to hear the latest news. My only real communication was to my wife and child. I deployed to Iraq twice, in 2004 and the end of 2005 through early 2006, and to Afghanistan in 2005. The world is a much simpler place when you are in the middle of a war.

As many say, “Haters gonna hate” no matter what you do or say. Those who send hateful messages don’t even know why they hate, other than because all of their friends are doing it. They are lemmings.

Keep standing your ground. Keep standing strong. God bless you.

http://timdenchanter.blogspot.com/ Tim D Enchanter

Please see my Thank You message as it applies to you and all others who serve Our Nation, Protect Our Rights, and Defend Freedom … Thank You !!!

http://timdenchanter.blogspot.com/ Tim D Enchanter

Please give Track this message from me to him and all others he serves with: Thank You !!! … Thank You for my Life … Thank You for my Liberety … Thank You for my Freedom … Thank You for my Country … Thank You for All I Hold Dear … We Believe that Our Rights come from God, not our government, but they are Defended by our Veterans, past, present, and future … Thank You, Brave and Noble Heroes, for stepping up when others would not !!! Thank You !!! —Tim Lenox, Salem, CT aka Tim D Enchanter

Liane

Why would rights that come from G-d have to be defended by “veterans”? And what about those who were drafted during the Viet Nam conflict? Don’t they count as “Brave and Noble Heroes,” even though they might not have stepped up voluntarily? Tim D Enchanter is enchanted by his neocon platitudes that don’t make a lick of sense.

Yvonne

I suspect Fado is a fool. He and Gillie cannot say anything positive. They should really contemplate why they are even commenting here. God bless Bristol’s brother for his service. I was wondering why the show didn’t show their process that Mark and Bristol went through for that dance. It most likely was because of time. The producers probably rather show the spat between them and that took up the time.

bellagrazi

I’m so happy you were able to speak with Track, Bristol. I know how worried you all must be for him. He will continue to be in my prayers. As will all the men and women of the military who continue to keep us safe. This really does put it all into perspective.

Dennis McHale

What an extraordinarily beautiful Family. Bristol I wish you all the best, at what ever brings what you wish for. As for Track, my prayers are for his safe return. You must be very proud. Great pictures. The very best to all.

BB

I get that you have zero life inside you. That much is obvious. People who have TIME to troll blogs writing ignorant things need purpose. If there’s one thing to take from Sarah, it’s how good it is to be active and engage in fun and charitable activities.